The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved a request from the Ministry of Defence to establish additional segregated airspace for the use of Unmanned Aircraft operating from the Wiltshire aerodromes of Upavon and Boscombe Down. The new segregated airspace, designated as Danger Areas by the CAA, will be connected to the existing Salisbury Plain Training Area complex, but will only be activated when Unmanned Aircraft flying is scheduled.

The MoD requested the change to accommodate the training requirements for military Unmanned Aircraft. In line with CAA requirements, the MoD conducted a full public consultation as part of its proposal. In approving the new airspace design, the CAA stated that its primary duty to safety had been met.

However, the CAA has attached several operational conditions to its decision; this reflects its measured approach to progressively introduce Unmanned Aircraft operations into UK airspace. Environmental considerations were also taken into account. The CAA is confident that there will be minimal noise disruption, as the Unmanned Aircraft will be routinely operating above 9,000ft.

The MoD has also made a commitment to providing access for GA aircraft to the new segregated airspace when it is safe to do so.

The revised airspace will become effective from 1 July 2010, however flights within the airspace will only commence once the MoD’s ‘Watchkeeper’ Unmanned Aircraft System has been accepted into service. The new Danger Areas will be identified as EG D120 and EG D122A/B/C.

Details of the revised airspace is contained in AIC: Y 022/2010, which was published on 20 May 2010 and is available here (the document also contains a map of the new Danger Area):

The CAA is the UK’s specialist aviation regulator. Its activities include: making sure that the aviation industry meets the highest technical and operational safety standards; preventing holidaymakers from being stranded abroad or losing money because of tour operator insolvency; planning and regulating all UK airspace; and regulating airports, air traffic services and airlines and providing advice on aviation policy from an economic standpoint.